Just to Clarify

I have struggled with weight since I was a young girl. In the eighth grade I went on Weight Watchers and lost 4 pant sizes (size 12->8; I didn't weigh myself). In college I gained the "Freshman 15" and I remember seeing a new doctor. When I got on the scale the nurse kept glancing at me, then back at the scale as she nudged the weight further and further to the right, and then slid it back as she notched the heavier weight over. When I "hopped off", she said, "You really don't look that heavy!" in a very surprised voice.

No, I don't look that heavy. I am able to distribute my "fat" well. I like to think that quite a bit of it is also muscle, but really I am just well proportioned.

So, I am not looking for sympathy or pity when I stated that I am grossly overweight. If I calculate my BMI (using height and weight), I rate a 29.3, which is only 0.7 away from being OBESE. Yes, I am correctly using the medical term "grossly overweight".

Sure, I can come up with lots of excuses: hypothyroidism, three kids, C-sections. These probably contribute to my overweight condition, but really it's just improving my eating habbits, and making sure I exercise. I've taken on the latter as one of my goals for 2009 (and I'm doing well with it). The former is nicely taken care of while I'm pregnant, but I still need to improve upon what/when/how much I eat.

The good news, and again, this isn't an excuse, is that because I'm neither skinny or obese, I have a better chance of living longer. They've done studies to prove it!

Thanks for all those who have been kind in saying I look good- I'm workin' on it!!!